Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have raided a suspected drug stockpile in Ibadan, recovering large quantities of illicit substances and launching a manhunt for the prime suspect.
The operation, carried out on Sunday, followed credible intelligence received from a strategic partner. Detectives targeted an apartment located on Abanise Street, Academy area of Olomi, identified as a storage point for illicit drugs.
Police sources said the intelligence report fingered one Oluwadamilare Adedayo, a resident of the apartment, as the individual allegedly stockpiling the drugs for distribution.
A thorough search of the premises led to the recovery of nine bags of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 101 wraps of dried leaves believed to be Canadian Loud, as well as other hard illicit drugs. All recovered items were secured and documented as exhibits.
According to the police, the raid effectively disrupted what is believed to be a local drug distribution network operating within the area.
However, the suspect was not found at the scene during the operation, prompting the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Femi Haruna, to order an intensive manhunt for his arrest.
Confirming the development in a statement on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said surveillance and coordinated efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
“Intensive surveillance and a coordinated manhunt have been launched to apprehend the suspect who is believed to have concealed the exhibits prior to police intervention,” Olayinka stated.
CP Haruna commended the operatives for the successful operation and expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for his continued support.
“The Commissioner of Police has appreciated the Inspector-General of Police for his strategic leadership, operational direction and unwavering support, which continue to strengthen intelligence gathering,” the statement noted.
The police boss also lauded the collaboration between the command, other security agencies and community stakeholders, describing it as critical to the success of intelligence-led operations.
The statement added that the raid underscores the command’s proactive approach to policing, particularly in tackling the circulation of illicit drugs, which are often linked to violent crimes and social unrest.
The Oyo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
“Security remains a collective responsibility,” the statement concluded.
